How to Declutter a Room in a Day

This is my go-to method for how to declutter a room in a day, so you can get your home guest-ready when you’re short on time!

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could declutter a room with just a snap of our fingers? While that’s not possible, I’ve got the next best thing—simple, quick tips to help you clear out and tidy up a room in no time.

How to declutter a messy area in your home by knowing what to focus on first and what will have the biggest impact on how things look.

Before we get started, I need to admit—this concept goes against my usual “slow and steady” approach here at Declutter in Minutes. But I totally understand that sometimes life throws you curveballs.

Maybe your mother-in-law just announced she’s visiting tomorrow. That’s definitely a situation where you need a fast, no-nonsense clutter clean-out.

In that case, I have seven clutter quick tips that you can use to get that cluttered room guest-ready in a single day.

How to Declutter a Room in a Day

Hard things are the worst, aren’t they?

Here’s the good news—I’ve put together a super simple list, so there’s nothing hard about it. You can tackle it one step at a time and start making real progress in your home.

But before you jump in, do me a favor. Stop looking back. Focus only on what’s ahead. Today is the start of a neater, more organized home. Every small step you take moves you closer to your goal, closer than you were yesterday.

Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Keep that in mind as you begin this new chapter, starting right now.

Step #1. Start with the Obvious

Get ready for a game-changing concept that might just blow your mind!

Here’s the truth—most of what we think is clutter is really just stuff that’s been left out of place. When you step into that messy room, chances are 90% of what you see simply needs to be put away.

That’s where my Three Core Steps come in. It’s an easy, no-stress approach to tackle all that clutter in no time. Each step focuses on something simple to remove, and by the end, your space will already feel so much clearer.

Core Step 1: Start by removing all the trash. Toss it out and don’t think twice.

Core Step 2: Next, grab anything that’s recyclable—old papers, empty bottles, whatever needs to go.

Core Step 3: Finally, gather up anything that belongs in another room and move it to where it actually belongs.

And that’s it—three quick steps to make a big difference without feeling overwhelmed when decluttering a room in a day.

To be fair, step # 3 is probably where you will see the most impact. I like to use my favorite laundry basket for this step. I love this basket because it is small and flexible.

Not only is it easy to carry, but it can hold a vast array of the most random items. Just what you need for a job like this. 

Action Task: Walk the room and gather up any trash and recyclables. when you are done, walk the room again and gather up anything that belongs in another space.

Finally, take those “put away” items and put them where they belong. 

#2. Focus on What is Out

Visual clutter can give a bad first impression of an otherwise great and comfortable room. Even if it is supposed to be “out,” it can still give an appearance of a mess. What is the quick fix to this dilemma? Create a landing spot for the things you would rather have out so it is easier for you and your family to use them. 

A few ideas are:

• Extra Bathroom Supplies – A basket on the back of a toilet. 
• Hats, Gloves, Mittens – A closet door organizer works great to hold these items. 
• Vitamins and/or Supplements – A pretty glass tray on a counter works great. 
• Mail or School Papers – A shallow basket is a good solution.
• Remote Controls – A coffee table bin or organizer.
• Bread, Snacks, or Rolls – A bread basket on a kitchen counter. 
• Extra Cozy Blankets – Use an oversized basket to toss them in. 
• Throw Pillows – A large basket works great to hold them. 

When you can set up baskets, trays, and even bins to hold things you use daily, it allows you to leave your items out for easier access while eliminating that cluttered look. 

Action Plan: Grab a few baskets to hold the things you want to stay out and put them closest to where you use them. 

Your room should be a place to unwind, not another source of stress. Learn How to Organize a Messy Bedroom and create a space you actually enjoy.

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#3. Do a Quick Clean

Dirt is the sneakiest kind of clutter, isn’t it? Dust on the table, pet hair on the couch, crumbs on the floor—just one glance, and the whole room can feel messy.

Here’s the good news—once you’ve cleared away all the extra stuff, cleaning becomes so much easier and faster.

To make the process simple, use gravity to your advantage. Start at the top by dusting high surfaces, like shelves or light fixtures, and then work your way down. Finish with a good sweep or vacuum of the floors.

What might have taken 20–40 minutes in a cluttered room will now take only a fraction of the time. With everything cleared and cleaned, your space will feel fresher, brighter, and more welcoming in no time!

Action Task: Give your clutter-free room a quick refresh by dusting and sweeping. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

#4. Brighten Up Your Room

Now that you have tackled the biggest issues in your room take it one step further and let in the light.

Open up the curtains and pull up the blinds. Check the bulbs in your lamps and replace them if needed.

Put out a fresh candle or a vase of flowers. Just a few quick things that can make a huge difference in a room. 

Action Task: Brighten up the room and give it a more inviting feel in just a few minutes. 

Habits to Keep Your room clutter free

One of the biggest challenges after cleaning a room is making sure it stays clutter-free. It’s all too easy for those freshly organized spaces to slip back into chaos within a few days. But don’t worry—there are some simple, practical ways to maintain the neatness and keep clutter at away.

#1. Keep things put away

Be sure to always put your things all the way away. Each time you do, you will have one less item left out. And the fewer items you have left out, the neater your rooms will be going forward. 

What does “all the way away” mean? 

It means putting things back into their home as soon as you are done using them. Let’s see it in action.

• Instead of putting the dirty glass next to the sink, you put it in the dishwasher. All the way away. 
• Instead of leaving the remote for the television on the couch, you put it into the holder on the coffee table. All the way away. 
• Instead of leaving your purse on the kitchen counter, you put it on the hook in the mudroom. All the way away. 

It might just be the easiest way to keep your home looking neater. 

#2. Keep a Put Away Basket In every Messy Room

To help keep a room neater, put a basket out labeled put away to toss items into that belong in another room.

Once the basket is full, walk around your home and return those things to their rightful places.

Having a spot for random misplaced items makes it so much easier to keep surfaces clear and clutter-free. It’s a small habit that makes a big impact on keeping your space neat.

Tired of constant mess? These Simple Habits for a Clutter-Free Home will help you keep things neat and organized.

#3. Do a Room Reset

A Room Reset is a quick, simple way to bring any space back to order after you’re done using it. This habit not only keeps counters and tables clear but also gives the whole room a mess-free look.

Here’s how to do it:

• Walk through the room and put away anything that’s out of place.
• Gather dishes or leftover food and take them to the kitchen.
• Place any stray items into your “Put Away” basket for now.
• Finally, turn off the lights and step away from your freshly reset room.

It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference. Each time you return to that room, you’ll love the calm and organized vibe it brings.

When it comes to decluttering a room in a day, it can be quite a daunting task. But with these easy and fast tips, you might find yourself doing what you once thought was impossible.

Keep your eye on the goal of keeping your things put away, and you will see your entire home transform before your eyes. 

More Decluttering Resources:

• Clutter Free Tips for Your Home
• Quick Decluttering Hacks
• Get Your Family On Board With Decluttering